Harrogate Town Council is moving to new premises and recruiting a second full-time staff member.

The council is controlled by Liberal Democrats, who won 15 of the 19 seats at the inaugural election on May 1.

Until now it has operated in temporary premises at the North Yorkshire Council-owned Civic Centre in Harrogate.

But the town council announced in a social media post today (August 18) it had moved to Community House on East Parade.

Community House, which is owned by the community group Hadca, is home to dozens of charities and community organisations, including domestic abuse charity IDAS, Open Country and Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation.

The town council post said: “As we become more established and take on staff, our office requirements have also grown.”

Salaried staff

Town councillors are not paid but their work is supported by salaried staff.

The council already employs Iona Taylor as its full-time clerk. That position was advertised for a salary between £56,708 and £60,903.

Now it is advertising for a full-time administration officer on a salary between £28,598 to £30,518.

The clerk, who also serves as financial officer, is responsible for ensuring the council’s administrative and civic functions and services are carried out professionally.

The recruitment pack for the administration officer includes a quote from mayor Chris Aldred saying whoever is selected will “will play a key role in helping us run day-to-day operations smoothly and supporting both councillors and residents as we become established”. 

Applications must be submitted by August 29. Job interviews will take place next month.

The town council hopes to have a website by the end of the month. It currently displays agendas on its Facebook page and through a mailing list.

The town council precept for 2025/26, paid for by Harrogate council taxpayers, is £362,000.

However, this is expected to rise in future years as the organisation becomes established and takes on functions.